ArmInfo.Today, the environment for achieving lasting peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia and moving towards the long-awaited normalization of relations is more favorable than ever before. This was stated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at a joint speech for the press with his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev in the Kovsakan region, captured by Azerbaijan after last year's aggression against Artsakh.
In his words, if Armenia shows a sincere will in relations with Azerbaijan, there will be no obstacles for the normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia. At the same time, Erdogan did not explain what kind of sincere will he was talking about against the background of constant provocations of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces on the line of contact with Armenia, as well as on the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia.
"It is absolutely necessary that the borders are defined and mutually recognized. This understanding is the basis of good-neighborly relations," the Turkish leader stressed.
The head of state expressed confidence that "the day will come when we will be able to leave for Istanbul through Zangezur (Syunik region of Armenia - Ed.) , and the region's position as a transit logistics center will strengthen." At the same time, he added that the development of infrastructure, roads and railways will benefit not only Azerbaijan and Turkey, but the entire region.
"The ongoing reconstruction and construction of roads is a guarantee of the restoration and development of this region. The pace of restoration and development of Karabakh is a matter of hope and pride for the entire region. Azerbaijan shows the whole world an example of determination in this area," Erdogan said, Anadolu reports.
He recalled that Turkey and Azerbaijan are fraternal countries that act in accordance with the principle of "one people - two states" and stressed that Ankara and Baku are committed to establishing lasting peace and developing the entire region.